Lakers fall to Grizzlies in up-and-down Game 5
MEMPHIS — The Lakers failed to close out the series on Wednesday, losing 116-99 to the Grizzles to move the series to 3-2 with a chance to close out the series back in Los Angeles on Friday.
The inconsistencies hurt the Lakers in Game 5’s loss, as they failed to gain a lead when they were within Memphis’ reach, with their biggest lead being only by two points. The margin turned for the worse in the second half when Memphis went on a 28-5 run thanks to the bursts of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, as the Lakers could not recover from the hot duo.
Morant and Bane accounted for 64 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 rebounds combined for Memphis, with Bane scoring 33 points and Morant scoring 31.
Head coach Darvin Ham said for Game 6 on Friday, he will consider extending minutes for players.
“We’re gonna do what we need to do to get that game at home,” said Ham.
The only consistent firepower came from Anthony Davis, who finished with a team-high 31 points, 19 rebounds, two blocks, and a steal in 35 minutes.
“We’re still in control right now, but we’ve got to take care of business on Friday,” said Davis.
Davis also gave reassurance on the health of his hip, which he hurt in Game 4 when Morant collided his knee with his hip.
“Hip is fine. Felt fine tonight,” said Davis. “I’m doing everything I can to make sure I’m able to play and be on the floor to help the team.”
LeBron James struggled to be consistent from the floor and limit his turnovers, going 1-for-9 from three and finishing with five turnovers.
LeBron acknowledged his inconsistent effort in Game 5’s loss, saying he’ll be better on Friday.
“Tonight, I was shit. And I’ll be better in Game 6,” said LeBron.
LeBron finished with 15 points, ten rebounds, and five assists, going 5-for-17 from the field on 29% shooting.
Austin Reaves was the Lakers' second-leading scorer, finishing with 17 points on a not-like-him 30.7% finish from the floor on 4-for-13, with four turnovers. Reaves gave the Lakers sparks outside of shooting, with eight rebounds, six assists, and a steal in 40 minutes.
In the fourth quarter, Reaves banged his knee with Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr., saying he was “OK” and would be good to go in Game 6 on Friday.
Battling from being consistent with a hot and cold series, D’Angelo Russell had another hot jolt in the 3rd quarter with eight straight points to get the Lakers within one point, at 61-60, before being sat right after.
Russell finished with 11 points, ten assists, and four rebounds, going 2-for-5 (40%) from deep and 4-for-11 (36.3%) overall.
Russell was asked after the game if he wanted to return to Memphis for a possible Game 7 if they lose at home in Game 6, with the obvious answer every competitor would say.
“Hell no. Just protect home, simple as that,” said Russell.
The Lakers can finish this series on Friday with a home crowd behind them. Going back to Memphis for a possible Game 7 is something the Lakers need to do everything they can to avoid. Also, finishing the series gives you a chance to get some extra rest before the other series in the NBA ends.
“We were told we won’t be here in the first place. So it’s no pressure. Just basketball,” said Ham.
Game 6 will be in Los Angeles on Friday at 7:30 p.m. on Spectrum SportsNet and ESPN.
